AEA Announces New Staff Appointments

Linda Adams was promoted to vice president of member services, where she works with AEA-member companies to implement a variety of membership benefits and programs. Adams is a member of the AEA Program and Member Services Committee, and she also manages sponsorship sales for AEA meetings and events.

After spending five years with the well-known Kansas City law firm Shook, Hardy & Bacon, Adams joined the AEA staff in 1993. During her tenure, the association has experienced dramatic growth, and her duties and responsibilities have expanded as a result. She previously served as the AEA’s director of member services prior to her current appointment.

Adams earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo. She resides in Lee’s Summit, Mo., with her husband, Randy, and they have two grown children. Adams may be reached via email at lindaa@aea.net.

In addition, Lauren McFarland was promoted to director of advertising, where she is responsible for advertising sales of Avionics News magazine, the association’s monthly publication, along with the annual Pilot’s Guide to Avionics publication and online advertising on the AEA’s website.

She also provides content for the AEA’s social media presence and manages the AEA Ambassador Program, which encourages stronger professional relationships between AEA repair station members and Federal Aviation Administration Flight Standards District Offices.

Since its inception, the AEA Ambassador Program has helped increase FAA personnel attendance at all AEA Regional Meetings and the AEA International Convention & Trade Show.

An avid artist, McFarland is a member of the Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street Arts Committee, which assists with a variety of community events. She has donated time and numerous pieces of art to a variety of organizations, including painting at live exhibitions. Her artwork is on display in downtown Kansas City at the Power and Light District, and she offers time to teach different styles of art to beginners.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Missouri and resides in Lee’s Summit, Mo. McFarland may be reached via email at laurenm@aea.net.

Finally, Katie Ryser recently joined the AEA staff as administrative assistant. In addition, she is the circulation manager for Avionics News magazine and the Pilot’s Guide to Avionics.

Ryser previously worked in law enforcement administration for more than five years.

Originally from West Virginia, she has an associate degree in theology from the World Revival School of Ministry in Kansas City, Mo. She plays the violin and teaches students from beginner to advanced levels. Ryser may be reached via email at katier@aea.net.

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Founded in 1957, the Aircraft Electronics Association represents nearly 1,300 member companies in more than 40 countries, including government-certified international repair stations specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of avionics and electronic systems in general aviation aircraft. The AEA membership also includes manufacturers of avionics equipment, instrument repair facilities, instrument manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, test equipment manufacturers, major distributors, engineers and educational institutions.